Analysis and Differences of the Neurosurgical Complications During COVID-19 Pandemic

Balkan Sahin; Mustafa Kilic; Levent Aydin; Saime Ayca Sahin; Baris Ozoner; Enes Akkaya; Adem Yilmaz; Ahmet Murat Musluman

doi:10.14744/SEMB.2021.87120

Analysis and Differences of the Neurosurgical Complications During COVID-19 Pandemic

Sisli Etfal Hastan Tip Bul. 2021 Dec 29;55(4):469-476. doi: 10.14744/SEMB.2021.87120. eCollection 2021.

Authors

Balkan Sahin¹, Mustafa Kilic¹, Levent Aydin¹, Saime Ayca Sahin², Baris Ozoner³, Enes Akkaya¹, Adem Yilmaz¹, Ahmet Murat Musluman¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurosurgery, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
² Department of Neurosurgery, University of Health Sciences, Cam ve Sakura Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
³ Department of Neurosurgery, Bahcesehir University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the study was to analyze the complications of neurosurgical operations during the COVID-19 pandemic by comparing them with the complications observed in the pre-pandemic period.

Methods: Two groups were formed: (1) Patients who were operated in the 5-month period of the pandemic (March-July 2020) and (2) those who were operated the same operations in the same period 1 year before (March-July 2019). Demographics, characteristics, medical follow-up data, complications, and outcome compared between the groups.

Results: Similar demographics were observed between the groups. The number of all neurosurgical cases and neurotrauma cases decreased by 79% and 68% in pandemic period, respectively. The rate of emergency surgeries was significantly higher in pandemic group (p<0.001). The operation time was significantly longer in pandemic group (p=0.014). Total complication rate was significantly higher in pandemic group (p=0.002). Specifically, the rate of pulmonary complications was significantly higher during pandemic period (p<0.001). The infection rate (p<0.001), antibiotic use (p<0.001), and intensive care unit stay (p=0.023) were significantly higher in pandemic group.

Conclusion: During pandemic period complication rates increased and a higher risk than expected was encountered. Treatment should be performed by taking the precautions and informing the patients about additional risks.

Keywords: Complications; coronavirus disease; neurosurgical operations; pandemic.